[dirte90]

I had previously painted my finishing rods but they were still bothering me. Just not clean enough looking. Well, I had to remove the front bumper last night to fix a minor issue with the newly installed Depo P90's and thought I would experiment with the finishing rod delete I have been planning in my head for a while.

This is on a pre-LCI E90. However the concept from this DIY should cover other models.

Materials needed:
1/2" Raised Aluminum expanded metal (I have a TON of this left if anybody local would like to buy some. Metal supply house could only sell a minimum of 4' X 4')
Small black zip ties
Flat black spray paint of choice

Tools needed:
Appropriate tools for bumper removal (see other DIY)
Angle grinder with cutting wheel
Tin snips/shears
Hack saw blade
File

First remove the front bumper following the DIY posted in this forum.



Next remove the lower bumper inserts by un clipping them from the back side of the bumper.

Then cut pieces of expanded aluminum to match the shape of the bumper inserts. You can use an angle grinder or tin snips for this process. Be careful with your measurements and cuts to ensure a snug fit in the bumper opening once installed. File edges smooth with a file. Bend the pieces slightly with your hands to match the curve of the bumper inserts.





Next cut out the finishing rod mounting brackets from each bumper insert using a hack say blade or cut off wheel. You will get cleaner cuts from the hack saw blade because it does not melt the plastic like the cut off wheel will.



Now paint the bumper inserts and your cut pieces of expanded aluminum flat black. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding.



Re-install bumper inserts to back side of bumper. Now lay your cut pieces of expanded aluminum over the front of the bumper inserts and attach to bumper inserts with small black zip ties (it is very difficult to see these once installed). If you measured and cut correctly the expanded aluminum will fit snugly.





Finally re-install the front bumper and stand back to admire the new AWESOME look of your stock bumper!

[Spydeputy]

KUDOS for a professional looking job!

[lpphreakx06]

That looks great!

[dirte90]

Originally Posted by Spydeputy

KUDOS for a professional looking job!

Originally Posted by lpphreakx06

That looks great!

Thanks guys.

[3X3=5]

I did the same mod a while back, looks so much better. I took a different approach to installing the grill though. First, I used a powder-coated mesh from customcargrills.com. This should be a much more durable finish than spray paint which tends to rock chip easily. I've yet to notice any chips in my grill after about 6 months of driving. Also, I completely removed the tabs that hold the OEM mesh on using a Dremel and didn't reuse the OEM parts. This is more work but created a cleaner look - no "double grill." Once it was all removed I cut my new grills with about 1" overlap around the edges then folded the edges over and used Loctite PL construction adhesive - super strong and should last a lifetime. Here are a few pics.

[BlkNWhite]

that looks clean, most likely gonna do this on mine also. nice work

[kitson306]

Both version looks great! I've been thinking of doing this for a while already, but haven't got around to it. Have you guys consider combining the two methods. Keep the OEM parts, but saw out all the plastic meshs, keeping only the outer edge with the clips. then glue the new mesh to the plastic.

Advantages:

1. no need to cut the tabs in the bumpers
2. can switch back to OEM (just get the plastic parts again)

the more i think about this, a vendor SHOULD take this idea an mass produce it! then it'll be like buying aftermarket blackout grills, snap in to fit! (or do this already exist???)

Cheers,

Kit

[dirte90]

Originally Posted by kitson306

Both version looks great! I've been thinking of doing this for a while already, but haven't got around to it. Have you guys consider combining the two methods. Keep the OEM parts, but saw out all the plastic meshs, keeping only the outer edge with the clips. then glue the new mesh to the plastic.

Advantages:

1. no need to cut the tabs in the bumpers
2. can switch back to OEM (just get the plastic parts again)

the more i think about this, a vendor SHOULD take this idea an mass produce it! then it'll be like buying aftermarket blackout grills, snap in to fit! (or do this already exist???)

Cheers,

Kit

Looking back at in now that is how I wish I would have done it. I will likely pull the bumper back off and re-do it this way when I get an opportunity. However you have to really look close to see the mesh from the stock insert behind the new mesh. Most people will never even notice.

[maxipad96]

That looks really good. I may have to say bye bye to my new black finishing rod's I just bought.

[virk007]

can the metal mesh be bought from home depot or lowes?

[Vesar]

Looks pretty clean and awesome to me brother

[WapArtist]

Thanks man, this is what I am going for.

[Whateva]

Noice, I'm next.

[MountainStone]

Is it necessary to remove the bumper in order to pop out the factory grilles?